Named scholarships

When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be funding.

For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 named scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of UA alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.

Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.

The need for scholarships grows each year, however, as students continue to face an increased financial burden in pursuit of a college degree. In fact, 94 percent of today’s baccalaureate students borrow to pay for college – versus just 45 percent in 1993. Across the country, the average college-related debt for borrowers in the class of 2016 was $37,172; for Ohio students, that figure was $30,239.

If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider a gift to the MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND MOVING FORWARD scholarship campaign, which is the University's most important initiative. You may also establish a named scholarship at The University of Akron, which can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study.

To learn more, please contact the Department of Development at 330-972-7238.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

This is not the page to apply for scholarships.

Students who want to apply for scholarships should visit the scholarship page on the Financial Aid site.

The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships. Scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid.

Search for a Named Scholarship

Gill Family Center for Nursing Endowment Fund

The Gill Family Center for Nursing Endowment Fund was established in 1992 by Kristine M. and Richard A. Gill to support the Center for Nursing Incest Survivors group. Kristine M. Gill has personally donated professional counseling services to incest survivors in homeless shelters for women and children for more than two years. The fund will subsidize the costs of services rendered for clients who are unable to afford fees charged by the Center for Nursing. Eligible clients will be determined and selected by the Center for Nursing Staff in collaboration with the College of Nursing. The Gills provided two stipulations that would impact the distribution of the award: (1) If the services provided for victims of incest were phased out of the Center for Nursing, the awards would be directed into other patient services offered by the Center for Nursing at the discretion of the Gills; and (2) In the event the Center for Nursing is no longer affiliated with The University of Akron, all remaining contributions in the endowment, made by Kristine M. and Richard A. Gill, will be transferred and divided equally between the Gill Family Graduate Nursing Scholarship and the Kristine M. and Richard A. Gill Scholarship.